Franklin kicked one goal and had 18 disposals against the Tigers, but it was his work-rate that came under the microscope during a 62-point loss.
"Buddy (Franklin) just didn't look interested, he didn't really look like he really wanted to come up the ground and when he did and did not get it he just moped back,” Malthouse said on 3AW.
"I have watched Franklin go into the middle time and time again and he has not got the fundamentals.
"You have got to have a defensive mindset and Buddy has not got that."
Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Richmond left the Hawks in eighth place with five wins and four losses, but a scathing review both internally and externally will surely provide extra motivation in Launceston against North Melbourne.
Hawks’ coach Alastair Clarkson admitted his side ‘has work to do’, while Brad Sewell said Hawthorn was ‘comprehensively beaten across the field’. Malthouse’ assessment was more brutal.
"They looked rudderless yesterday (Saturday)," Malthouse added.
"How they have got them down as flag favourite is beyond me.
"I have not seen them be what is claimed to be the best side."
North’s last outing against the Hawks in round 20 of 2011 resulted in a 17-point loss, with Matt Campbell almost single-handedly getting the Kangaroos over the line at Aurora Stadium.
